If you’re craving a dish that brings comfort, rich flavors, and a touch of elegance all in one bowl, look no further than this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta. This recipe combines tender ground beef sautéed to perfection, aromatic garlic, and a luscious Parmesan-infused cream sauce tossed with fun, bowtie-shaped pasta that captures every bit of that savory goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this dish delivers a warm, hearty experience that feels like a big, satisfying hug from the inside out.

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, contributing texture, flavor, and color that come together to elevate this pasta dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

1 lb ground beef: The rich, savory base that adds heartiness and depth to the dish.
3 teaspoons olive oil: Helps brown the beef and soften aromatics without overpowering the flavors.
5–6 cloves garlic, minced: Provides an irresistible aroma and sharp savoriness to every bite.
1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and texture to balance the beef.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances flavor complexity with its tangy, umami-rich kick.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean herbs for that signature warmth.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Offers a subtle smoky depth that rounds out the beef’s flavor.
3 tablespoons butter: Brings a silky richness to the sauce, elevating its creaminess.
3 cups beef broth: Forms the savory liquid base that simmers with the beef and seasonings.
8 oz Bowtie Pasta: The perfect pasta shape that holds the sauce beautifully in its folds.
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and thickens the sauce naturally.
3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk): Creates that luscious, creamy texture without heaviness.
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Balances all the flavors just right without stealing the spotlight.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to awaken the palate.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides a subtle spicy kick that livens up the dish.
1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant color and bright flavor as a finishing touch.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it thoroughly, breaking it apart with your spatula as it browns. This step creates a flavorful, caramelized base for your sauce. If there’s excess fat, go ahead and drain it to keep the dish from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Next, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cooking these until the onion turns soft and translucent while the garlic releases its fragrant delight sets the stage for the savory profile of the pasta. These aromatics are key for layering flavor.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Let everything cook together for a minute or so; this allows those wonderful herbs and spices to mingle with the beef and create a deliciously complex flavor base for the creamy sauce that’s coming.

Step 4: Make the Sauce Base

Now add the butter and let it melt into the pan, enriching the mixture with its silky texture. Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes to concentrate those flavors and thicken the upcoming sauce.

Step 5: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

While the broth simmers, cook your bowtie pasta according to the package instructions in a separate pot. When perfectly al dente, drain and set it aside, ready to soak up that incredible creamy sauce.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Reduce the heat, then stir in the half and half or whole milk followed by the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a divine creaminess. This transformation is the heart of the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta and gives it its signature luxurious texture.

Step 7: Season the Sauce

Season everything with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir to combine the ingredients and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing those spicy, savory elements to harmonize perfectly with the creamy base.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked bowtie pasta straight into the skillet and toss everything together gently but thoroughly. The pasta will absorb the flavors and get coated in that irresistible Parmesan garlic cream sauce, turning it into a cohesive, comforting meal.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve Hot

Finish by sprinkling the fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and a subtle herbaceous lift. Serve your creamy parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta piping hot and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic choice to brighten the dish visually and add a fresh contrast to the rich sauce. For an extra pop of flavor, you can sprinkle a touch of extra Parmesan or even some toasted pine nuts for added crunch that complements the creaminess.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette, to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette on the side is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that heavenly sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta in pasta bowls with a little extra sprinkle of Parmesan at the table. You could also bake it briefly in a casserole dish topped with mozzarella for a bubbly, golden crust that offers a delightful textural contrast while keeping those creamy flavors front and center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or weeknight dinners when time is tight.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to keep the pasta and sauce separate to retain texture. Freeze cooked pasta cooled completely in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Freeze the sauce separately and combine them upon reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. This careful reheating preserves the creamy texture and keeps your Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta tasting just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option, though the richness will vary slightly. For a more intense flavor, ground pork or a mix of beef and pork works wonderfully too.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. You can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth while keeping the rest of the ingredients the same for that creamy, cheesy experience.

What type of Parmesan cheese is best for this recipe?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key because it melts more smoothly and has a brighter flavor than pre-grated varieties. Look for Parmigiano-Reggiano for the most authentic taste.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

While bowtie pasta is perfect here, feel free to use other shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Each shape will hold the sauce in its own way, but the overall taste remains delicious.

How spicy is this pasta with the red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can easily adjust or omit them depending on your spice preference to keep the dish perfectly suited to your taste buds.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and joy in every forkful. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, it’s a wonderfully satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite pasta night recipe!

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish combining tender ground beef with a luscious Parmesan garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it features flavorful spices, savory beef broth, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta all tossed together and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.

Instructions

Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Add Seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together thoroughly.
Create the Sauce Base: Add butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes to slightly reduce and thicken the broth.
Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the bowtie pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside once done.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir the half and half (or whole milk) into the reduced broth mixture. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy with melted cheese fully incorporated.
Season the Sauce: Season the creamy sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend the spicy notes evenly.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly, ensuring every piece is coated well with the rich, creamy sauce.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy Parmesan garlic beef pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an added fresh flavor and vibrant color.

Notes

For a lighter version, use whole milk instead of half and half or substitute with a plant-based milk, though the flavor will be slightly different.
If you prefer spicier food, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
Ensure to drain excess fat from the beef after browning to keep the sauce clean and creamy.
Bowtie pasta can be substituted with other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini if desired.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly than pre-grated, enhancing the sauce’s texture.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to prevent the cream sauce from separating.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner, Pasta
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: creamy pasta, beef pasta, Parmesan garlic pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal